A 100% wind, water, sunlight (WWS) all-sector energy plan for Washington State

This study analyzes the potential and consequences of Washington State's use of wind, water, and sunlight (WWS) to produce electricity and electrolytic hydrogen for 100% of its all-purposes energy (electricity, transportation, heating/cooling, industry) by 2050, with 80-85% conversion by 2030. Electrification plus modest efficiency measures can reduce Washington State's 2050 end-use power demand by similar to 39.9%, with similar to 80% of the reduction due to electrification, and can stabilize energy prices since WWS fuel costs are zero. The remaining demand can be met, in one scenario, with similar to 35% onshore wind, similar to 13% offshore wind, similar to 10.73% utility-scale PV, similar to 2.9% residential PV, similar to 1.5% commercial/government PV, similar to 0.65% geothermal, similar to 0.5% wave, similar to 0.3% tidal, and similar to 35.42% hydropower. Converting will require only 0.08% of the state's land for new footprint and similar to 2% for spacing between new wind turbines (spacing that can be used for multiple purposes). It will further result in each person in the state saving similar to$85/yr in direct energy costs and similar to$950/yr in health costs [eliminating similar to 830 (190-1950)/yr statewide premature air pollution mortalities] while reducing global climate costs by similar to$4200/person/yr (all in 2013 dollars). Converting will therefore improve health and climate while reducing costs. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.